Memory, the Powerhouse - Use it or Lose it

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One of the most powerful organs in human body is the brain. When we talk of brain, our main focus seems to be on Science, but for common people, the various aspects of brain popularly known are: mind, intelligence, consciousness, and memory. Out of these four the one, which we are more familiar with, is Memory. It can simply be called the powerhouse, the storage of human power.

Once, all the animals gathered in the forest to discuss why humans are superior to them, while all are created by one God. The Peacock said, I can dance better than humans, the Dog said, My sense of smell is more powerful than humans. Lion said, Humans physical strength has no match to my physical strength, and so on. They all went to God and asked why humans are superior in spite of better sense power animals have. The God said, Sure, you all have powerful senses but one thing that makes humans superior is their powerful Brain, which gives them the power of discrimination or intelligence.

This extraordinary gift of God, the human brain, weighs only around 3 pounds and is a mere 1200 cubic centimeter in size. It contains approximately 100 billion neurons (cells). These neurons communicate with each other via neuro-transmitters across a gap between neurons called synapse. Even if all the organs of the body are intact but brain is dead, the body is called dead/non-functioning/vegetative. It is like a car with all new accessories but without the engine.

As mentioned earlier, one of the most dominant aspects of Brain is Memory. It is the capacity of a Human (Brain) to store, retain, and recall information about past and present events. Aspects such as intelligence, emotions, and consciousness will be inadequate if there is a loss or weakness of memory. A normal human is born with basic intelligence and then advancement lies in his/her hands. Many battery-operated electronics we buy today (camera etc.), come with operating instructions that say that battery may not be fully charged, please fully charge the battery before normal use. The same applies to human memory and intelligence.

Essentially there are three types of memory: immediate, short-term, and long-term.

Immediate Memory: Is the capacity to store information for a very minimal span of time and one entry at a time.

Short Term memory: From immediate memory, the information moves ahead and develops into short term memory, which can hold up to 10 items for a period of max 30 seconds.

Long Term memory: Any amount of information can be retained in long-term memory for extensive periods of time. It can be retained lifelong unless brain cells (memory stores) are physically damaged due to various reasons.

Through the years scientists and doctors have performed adequate research and advancement in the field of neurology. They have studied and revealed the secret memory from basics to the micro level. But it is all up to an individual to improve and sharpen their memory in order to make life enjoyable and meaningful for self and for people around them.

These days, short term memory loss, Alzheimer, dementia, and depression are commonly discussed topics. Recently, I met an elderly family friend who is in his late 70s. He said he always forgets his grand childs name, ironically he sometimes forgets his own name. But at the same time, he told me a story vividly which he read in 1951 (58 years ago). Often, we see Alzheimers patients wandering in super markets not knowing why they are there and where to go from there. I have observed my mother going to the kitchen and forgetting the purpose of going by the time she reached there. At times we laugh at such incidents; these things have become jokes too. We need to seriously think about these incidences. We are loosing value of the most powerful gift from God (creation) to the human being, Memory. The presence of memory makes life so meaningful at some stage of life, whereas the absence of which makes life meaningless at all stages of life.

According to Rishi Patanjali, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga system, memory is experiences of objects not forgotten. Memory is one of the functions of Chitta, the subconscious mind. All the experiences of the Human mind leave impressions on the subconscious mind. Formation and Revival of these impressions happens via memory. These impressions are stored in the subconscious mind when we come in contact with the outside world. They create various thought patterns (in Brain) called innate nature. These thought patterns later cause physical reaction or our external behavior.

Patanjali defines Yoga as the process of controlling these thought patterns of the subconscious mind. There is an incidence in ancient Indian text, when the great guru Krishna went to prince Duryodhan to explain to him the meaning of Dharma (righteousness) and Adharma (wickedness) to avoid unjust war instigated by Duryodhan. After listening to the wise words of Krishna, Duryodhan said, I know what is Dharma, but my nature (negative thoughts) does not allow me lean towards right and I know what Adharma is, but my nature does not allow me to get away from wrong. It is all that is stored in our memory becomes our nature.

Someone has said about memory, use it right or loose it. Apart from doctors, there are spiritually elevated persons, whom we call Gurus, Saints or Yogis, who have come up with various ways to maintain, enhance, and improve the memory. These methods are memory stimulators; Rishi Patanjali may call them Yoga, Buddha may call them Nirvana, Mahatma Gandhi may call them Satya (Truth), Wayne Dyer may call them Self Actualization and Mr. Fred Rogers may call them Quiet time.

Listed below are some practical ways, experienced by wise people, of memory empowerment. These practices keep the memory (brain muscles) healthy and full of positive thoughts.

Breathing exercise
This is also one of the eight steps of Ashtanga Yoga. Doing breathing exercise in morning increases the circulation of blood in Brain. This provides with enough oxygen to the brain and rest of the body.

Meditation or Quiet Time
Daily practice of Meditation clears unwanted and negative thoughts from the mind. It helps enhance memory power.

Mantra (Chanting)
Chanting of powerful words (Mantra) positively affects the whole nervous system; it clears and stabilizes the mind. Repetition of powerful words while focusing on its meaning empowers the memory and sends powerful messages (auto suggestions) to the subconscious mind.

Concentration
Focus all your thoughts on one object that gives you good feeling while sitting in a comfortable posture. This particularly helps with performing nonstop activities (like exam, office work, etc.) without interruptions.

Physical Exercise
Keeping body muscles healthy is as important as keeping brain muscles healthy.

Food
Healthy, especially vegetarian food helps memory enhancement. Simple acts like eating soaked, peeled-off almonds in the morning, few walnuts in the afternoon, can be adapted for body and mind health.

Reading
Reading keeps the brain active. Books which give inspiration should be read repetitively. Leaning multiple languages also empowers memory.

Be with Nature
Whenever possible try to enjoy the riches offered by Mother Nature. Stare at the moon and stars in the night, sunset and sunrise, green pastures, rivers, oceans.

Challenge the Brain
Play brain games like Sudoku, Crossword puzzles, Solitaire, and Chess. Once in awhile change the course of your routine acts, for example try to do some routine chores in dark, once in a while read books that are not of your normal taste (switch from fiction to non-fiction), or switch to non-dominant hand for some routine tasks.

Grand Mothers formula
It has been an age old tradition in India that grand mothers write some spiritual words 1000 times everyday. This has been their memory exercise.

Last, but the most important of all is:

Play with Children
There was a professor who used spend the entire day doing academic and scholarly work. In the evening, he used to enthusiastically play with children. Someone asked him, What makes you to play with these little kids. The Professor replied, When you do not use a string instrument it is better to slacken the strings for extended life of the instrument. Similarly, I slack/relax my mind by playing with children. To get the most benefit, do not just play with them, be like them.

The above practices promote the growth of brain cells, help create smooth neural paths, generate stronger brain cell to cell communication. Some studies show that even adults (and elders) can grow new brain cells.

Researchers have found that our mind carries around 60,000 thoughts in 24 hours, majority of them are repetitive and many of them are negative. It is not important to only have a powerful memory, what is important is the positivity of thoughts stored in the memory. Tamerlane, Hitler, Saddam Hussein had powerful brains (memory) but tuned their actions towards destruction. Buddha, M Gandhi, Benjamin Franklin also had powerful brains (memory) and which they turned towards creation.

Our car user manual recommends normal maintenance (oil change) at 3500 miles or a 3 months period. It recommends that if driving conditions are abnormal then you should go for early maintenance for a better engine life. We live through numerous abnormal conditions in our everyday life. Should we not do memory renewal everyday using holistic ways for a better human life?

Memory is the powerhouse of brain.

Memory is the foundation of character.

Memory is the index of happiness.

So, let us use science and holistic ways to empower the Memory and use it in a right way to justify our superiority (as Humans) and bring happiness in our lives and in the lives of all living beings on this earth.

Recently, on the back of Port authority Bus I saw Seton Hill University's slogan which says, Fear nothing but a closed mind - and a closed mind is one that has either empty memory or memory full of negative thoughts - A prudent message for all of us.

I am thankful to Dr. Renu Pokharna, Neurologist (at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) for her help in researching this subject.

Japanese Food Is Healthy And Tasty

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The art of cooking is no longer restricted to homemakers and restaurant cooks. Out of the numerous cuisine types, the Japanese cuisine tends to evoke a curiosity as regards to its making. Japanese food is healthy, tasty and simple to prepare. It is low-fat, low cholesterol, less dependent on meat and emphasis more on vegetables and fish. Japanese food is famous in reducing heart-rated disease as it is mainly prepared by simmering food under low moderate heat. Undoubtedly, Japan is also well known of her people having the longest life expectancy in the world. If you are planning to visit and taste the various japanese trends and cuisines you need to be aware of the japanese language........... .Check out here to learn basic Japanese language learning japanese.

The culinary industry has grown immensely and has gained a very high status as regards to its acceptability as a respectable profession. Japanese Chefs believes that Japanese cuisine is regional and generous in variety. The most famous Japanese dish is the Sushi, which has been a favorite with almost all classes of individuals. Apart from sushi, there are other famous Japanese food items like Domburimono, Tempura, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu, and many more which are very liked by people. Japanese food is considered very simple, healthy, and delicious.

Japanese cooking is very meticulous and a lot of care is taken while presenting it. Rice often forms the most important ingredient in Japanese cooking. Despite the popularity of certain Japanese dishes, many cuisines are not known to the world outside Japan. The ingredients which are used in Japanese food are Dried Shiitake, Japanese Green Horseradish, Kelp Seaweed, Noodles, Bonito Fish Flakes, etc. Shiitake are Japan most popular mushrooms. The dried variety has a strongest taste and aroma and found commonly in many dishes, Japanese Green Horseradish is also known as Wasabi. Wasabi is a perennial aquatic plant. It comes in paste or powder form and it is used as condiment and seasonings, Kelp Seaweed is also known as Konbu. Konbu is an essential ingredient for making Japanese stock.

Japanese food is really good for health. Japans beautiful scenery is diverse because of the different climates which characterize the regions, and this is reflected in the diversity of Japan food, so dont waste time and try Japan food. The real beauty of japan lies in its beautiful scenery, so do visit and mingle with its beauty and charm when you go there but for that also you need to learn japanese language so check out here hirgana writing script.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee-an Introduction to One of the Best Coffees in the World

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Widely considered to be one of the worlds best, if not the best, coffees, Jamaican Blue Mountain is a rich, smooth roast. This aromatic and flavorful coffee has to be experienced to be believed.

The Beginning of Jamaica's Coffee Trade

The history of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is just as rich and interesting as the coffee itself. According to one legend, King Louis XV of France sent three coffee plants to French colony Martinique around 1723. Just one of the three plants survived, and this particular coffee plant was given to Sir Nicholas Lawes, a former Jamaican Governor, approximately five years later. Once this coffee plant arrived on Jamaican soil, a coffee crop was quickly established thanks to soil rich in nitrogen, potash, and phosphorous. Less than ten years later, coffee exportation had already begun. More than 600 coffee plantations had been established by the early nineteenth century.

It is believed that all of the coffee plants grown in Jamaica today are descendents of that single plant, of the Arabica typica variety, that arrived in Jamaica from France, via the island of Martinique.

The Blue Mountains Factor-why does that Coffee Taste so Good?

The fantastic Blue Mountain taste is achieved by a combination of three different factors: altitude, a special kind of rich, nutrient-laden soil called volcanic soil, and the treatment processes undergone by the beans once they are harvested.

The hub of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee production is, of course, Jamaica's Blue Mountains, a magnificent mountain range that rises more than seven thousand feet above sea level. The high altitude, dense cloud cover, and low annual rainfall of the region all serve to slow down the maturation rate of the coffee crop. In this region, crops take up to ten months to mature, whereas in most other parts of the world, the average time taken is five to six months. The longer maturation time produces beans that are larger and have a more concentrated and complex flavor.

Like every other mountain in the islands of the Caribbean, Jamaica's Blue Mountains are the peaks of extinct volcanoes. Throughout centuries of eruptions, the soil created on the peaks of the Blue Mountains has become extremely nutrient-rich due to the decomposition of plant life, and the deposition of accumulated biomass. This extraordinarily rich soil is an important ingredient in producing the exceptional quality coffee beans that go into every cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

This is not the entire story, however. There is one more important factor, without which Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee would not be as highly-regarded as it is today. The production and distribution of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is rigorously regulated and protected by the Jamaican government to ensure that every bean roasted and every cup brewed is of the highest quality.

For example, only coffee grown at an altitude of between 3,000 and 5,500 feet is allowed to bear the name Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. If the coffee plants are grown between 1,500 and 3,000 feet, the coffee is known as Jamaica High Mountain Coffee, and plants grown below 1,500 feet are Jamaica Low Mountain or Jamaica Supreme Coffee. These regulations ensure that all Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is grown at the special altitude that delays maturation of the coffee plants and produces that complex and rich flavored coffee. In addition, there are geographical requirements as well as elevation requirements, in that to bear the Jamaican Blue Mountain, the coffee plants must be grown in one of only four parishes in the region.

Importance of personal hygiene

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Rightly it is said that when the child is born it comes with all those values that parents possess. Of course, it is only parents duty to make your child learn healthy habits. Child should keep on learning new moral values which are needed and important in their life. Firstly, practicing healthy habits improve their own skills and development.

Primary duty for every child is to take personal care of them then of others. Knowing basic health hygiene factor is going to be beneficial in their very own life not to others. From the begging teach your child healthy practices. Making your child aware of various diseases and sickness helps to take preventive steps against if any symptoms seen.

At the initial stage deals with routine affairs in a healthy way. Teach your children to wash their hands nicely after playing. Washing with warm water and a doctors soap is enough to keep your hands germs free. It is strictly advisable to wash hands properly between fingers after playing with any pets or an animal. These are some healthy hygiene tips keep your child away from bacterial infection and other problems. Try to keep yourself clean and healthy and rest assured for everything. Practicing healthy habits right from childhood, helps your child to follow easily even at later stage. To make your child understand in a better way keep on experimenting in different ways. Small children games and even showing such gestures works a lot on your baby. Do remember your baby should not feel a burden to learn these healthy habits from beginning itself. Please do not compel your child in any way if he/she reacts in it very badly. Know your baby very well. Always take care of their mood, wish rather than just spoiling their childhood days by forcing them to practice health hygiene.

Almost every child keeps them engaged in playful activities. Like educational baby toys, wooden toys, electronic baby toys, clay toys or simple dolls are often seen in hands of small kids. These toys help a lot to encourage your child to gain social values or moral values. Try to teach them with innovative ideas and in creative ways so that they can easily grasp. Bathing games will encourages them to keep themselves clean and learn body parts.

Toddlers should learn good oral hygiene early as well. Brush your teeth regularly and in a nice way so that your tooth does not decay and gums are free from germs. Take proper diet of green vegetables and other nutritious food. Healthy habits will lead to good health so always keep in mind besides practicing all these steps, a simple way would be to keep you clean because health hygiene has its own significance.

How To Get Creative And Profitable Ideas To Start A Home Based Business

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One of the best (and least expensive ) ways to think of a great idea for a new business which will be viable is to be a careful observer of yourself and the world around you. Think of the skills which you possess and think about businesses which are already extant which depend on these skills. ...One of the best (and least expensive ) ways to think of a great idea for a new business which will be viable is to be a careful observer of yourself and the world around you. Think of the skills which you possess and think about businesses which are already extant which depend on these skills. Is there something missing from their business model? Is there a way you could improve on it? Starting from a business idea which already exists and improving it can be a good way to begin a business of your own. Maybe there is a good product which needs a better marketing campaign in order to win over the public. You don't need to reinvent the wheel here, but you could think of a better way to get an existing product to market. Taking an existing product and improving on it is always a good way to start a successful business; of course, if you have a new invention which you think will start the world on fire - by all means, get it out there!
Another way to start a viable business is to take one of your marketable skills or talents and try to find a way to get the public interested in your services.
For instance, let's say that cooking is your strong suit.

You read cooking magazines, are practically addicted to the Food Network and spend all of your spare time in the kitchen trying out new recipe ideas. Your friends are always excited about your dinner parties - but how can you make a viable business idea of your talent? Suppose your current job is as a real estate agent. As such, you often find yourself hosting broker's meetings, where you invite other real estate agents to one of the homes you are looking to sell so they can see the property for themselves and get the word out about it to their contacts. Food is usually served at these meetings and being disappointed with the offerings of local caterers, you start to get an idea...

You decide that what these meetings lack is having some higher quality food and something else... maybe some form of entertainment? You decide to incorporate these two ideas - what if you were to provide high quality, reasonably priced meals along with some soft music for these events? Bingo! You have an idea forming here.

Perhaps a pianist playing jazz at low volume would be just the thing for these meetings - an easily transported instrument, a touch of class for your meetings; it's perfect. You decide to figure out how to implement your new business idea; a caterer who also provides live music.

You have taken an existing business idea (catering) and improved on it (better food, lower cost and the added attraction of live entertainment). Is your new business idea a viable one? If there is a customer base out there to tap into, then the answer is almost certainly yes. You could be on to an idea which can become a viable new business venture for you.

Once you have a viable business idea, what do need to do next to make it happen? This book has all the answers you'll need about taking your new business idea from concept to reality. Most businesses need start-up (or seed) money - and you'll learn more about possible sources of financing to get your new business off the ground. You will also find out how to write a grant proposal which has a good chance of meeting approval.

It is certainly true that there is a lot of work which has to go into writing a successful grant proposal, but if you can secure that grant you need to start your business, all of the work will be worth it. You can get that funding you new business venture needs and you can make your city a better place to live by offering new products and services. Get the ball rolling and start that business you've always wanted to!

How To Control Weight And Achieve pH Balance With An Alkaline Diet

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The key to restoring our body to its ideal pH is to create the proper balance of alkaline and acid forming foods. Since our body's pH level is slightly alkaline, our diet and nutrition should also reflect this. Eating as much as possible alkaline and alkalizing foods will help to balance the body ph and get rid of acid wastes. In this regard we should ingest at least 75% of alkalizing foods, like green vegetables or grasses, and never more than 20-25% of neutral and acidifying foods. Eating foods that are alkalizing transforms our bodys balance from dangerously acidic to slightly above neutral.

What is Alkaline Food?

Healthy, alkaline foods could be sunflower sprouts, flax oil, brown basmati rice, millet, soaked almonds, tomato slices, fresh avocado, vegetable soups or green vegetable juices. All this offers a low carbohydrate, high fiber and delicious way to nourish your system with what it really needs to avoid the body cells to over-acidify. Fresh vegetables, greens and grasses are an excellent anti-yeast and anti-fungal. Green grasses such as barley or wheat grass are some of the lowest-calorie, lowest-sugar and most nutrient-rich foods on earth, and contain high amounts of fiber.

What is Acidic Food?

On the other hand, when our body ingests too many acidic or acid-producing foods (e.g. yeast-containing bread, meat, dairy products, processed food etc.), excess acid corrodes tissues and organs. This results in obesity (to protect itself from potentially serious damage the body creates new fat cells to carry acids away from our vital organs), allergies (the absorption of undigested proteins due to an overly acidic body is a major cause of allergy conditions) and fatigue (an over-acidified body produces toxins and weakens the bodys ability to produces enzymes and hormones). In addition, acid also provides a favorable environment for harmful bacteria and other micro organism that can damage glands and organs. In other words, the over-acidification of our body cells will interrupt cellular activities and functions, which is the major root of all sickness and disease.

Especially important for our human body system is the green plant pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll contained in plants and grasses is identical to the blood of humans, except of one atom. It is the only known and existing substance that is able to transform sunlight into eatable energy - a process without there wouldnt be life on earth! In other words we eat sunlight when we eat salad, greens and vegetables.

Green Vegetables All Day Long!

Nutritionists and scientists all over the world state that we need five (5!) servings of vegetables per day, everyday! But where and how in our fast paced lifestyles, eating on the run, are we going to be able to do this? An alternative could be, in addition to daily nutrition and diet, concentrated green sprouts and vegetables powders, which are designed to improve the bodys acid-alkaline balance (pH balance) and supply vital nutrients the body needs to produce healthy cells and enhance energy levels. The organically grown green vegetables and grasses, leaves and grains are harvested at the peak of its nutritional state (right after germination) and sprouted for maximum cell absorption and infuse the body with hundreds of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Weight Management With pH Balance

That means, by eating vegetables all day long, or taking powdered greens, the bodys pH level will gradually be balanced. When pH balance is achieved, the body naturally drops to its healthy weight, food cravings will diminish and energy levels will increase immensely. In addition, as soon as the acidic environment is eliminated, there will be no need for new fat cells to form. That means the fat in our body is no longer needed, and literally melts away. Above all, this alkaline way of life is the perfect start to restore the overall health.

Healthy Snack Food Ideas

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What is healthy snack food? Simply anything you eat between meals that is nutritious and good for you and not junk food! It's all too easy in today's world to get into the habit of eating candy bars, vending machine chips and other such sweet and salty fare when you get the munchies before lunch or in the middle of the afternoon.

One thing to keep in mind is that not everything sold in health food stores, or in the "healthy" section of the supermarket is really that good for you. Many energy bars and energy drinks, for example, are quite high in sugar. Sometimes it's called fructose or in some cases organic types of sugar, but if this is one of the first ingredients, you are still consuming a lot of sugar and calories.

When looking for healthy snacks, it's best to look for foods that are both organic and unsweetened. A good choice would be organic multigrain crackers with organic nut butter. Peanut butter is not the best kind of nut butter; almond, cashew or sunflower butter is healthier. Peanuts have become a disputed "health food" in recent years. Organic peanut butter is fine once in a while, but these other nut butters are made from nuts that have healthier fat content. Another good choice for a topping is tahini, made from sesame seeds. This is traditionally used in Middle Eastern foods, but it's a great topping for bread or crackers as well.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a healthy snack. Apples, carrots, celery, mangos, blueberries, kiwis and pomegranates are all great. These can also be made into juices, of course. Again, organic is best. However, sometimes you can find fresh, locally grown produce that is quite good and not sprayed with chemicals, yet is not certified organic. This is usually a good choice, as long as you know it's grown by people who don't use harmful chemicals.

Aside from fresh fruits, you can also choose organic dried fruits and nuts. These can be purchased individually or in trail mixes. As with other foods, there is a wide variety of quality when it comes to things like dried fruits and trail mixes. Once again, look for the unsweetened kind. Dried papaya, for instance, is often sweetened. Fruits are sweet enough naturally, so added sugar only gives you more calories and the many other potential problems associated with sugar.

One traditional snack food that is not usually considered healthy is popcorn. Popcorn can be a good snack food if it's popped naturally and is not topped with an artificial butter substitute (as with movie popcorn). Start with organic popcorn, pop it either using an air popper or a traditional popper or pan, using a healthy oil such as canola or sunflower. Top moderately with sea salt and, if you need the butter flavor, a small amount of organic butter or, better still, clarified butter. There are a few all-natural bagged popcorn products available, but the problem with these is that they add too much salt. At home you can go easy on the salt or even skip it entirely.

These are a few healthy snack food ideas. You can come up with more. Most types of foods can be healthy, or at least neutral, if they are natural and not overly sweetened or salted.